Thessaloniki: Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay

The best part of this cruise is the combination of a real sailing day and a memorable swim stop. You leave from Nea Michaniona, cross the Thermaic Gulf toward Epanomi’s Navagio Beach, then swim from the boat to the shore and walk along the beach to a half-submerged shipwreck from 1970. It feels more personal than a standard sightseeing boat ride.

I like the small group of up to eight and the relaxed pace, with room to sit on deck, swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. I also like the homemade Greek lunch prepared by skipper Makis, often with local produce, Greek music, and wine. The main consideration is practical: reaching the beach means swimming about 50 meters from the anchored boat, and the shoreline can have stones and mussels. This is not the right outing if you cannot swim comfortably.

Key points

• Swim to a 1970 shipwreck: Reach Navagio Beach from the boat and walk the sandy shore to explore the wreck.
• Fresh Greek meal onboard: Makis prepares a filling lunch, often including tzatziki, salad, vegetables, sausages, stuffed grape leaves, fruit, and wine.
• Small sailing yacht: The group is limited to eight, creating a quiet, social setting rather than a crowded excursion.
• Mount Olympus views: On a clear day, the mountain remains visible across the water during much of the cruise.
• Dolphin sightings are possible: Dolphins have appeared during the route, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Bring more than a swimsuit: Pack water, strong sunscreen, a hat, towel, and possibly swimming shoes.

Sailing from Nea Michaniona into the Thermaic Gulf

This six-hour cruise begins at Blue Foam sailing cruises in Nea Michaniona Port, near the town’s fish market. From central Thessaloniki, you can reach the port by bus, taxi, or the metro followed by additional transport. Hotel pickup and return can be arranged for an added fee, a useful option if you are staying far from the harbor or traveling with a family.

The boat is a well-kept sailing yacht with a clean bathroom and several places to sit. You can stretch out on the front of the boat, sit toward the stern, or move around as the yacht travels along the coast. This matters because six hours on a boat can feel cramped if everyone is packed into one seating area. Here, the small passenger limit gives you a better chance to find a comfortable spot.

The ride to the shipwreck area takes roughly an hour and 15 minutes each way, depending on conditions. The cruise itself is part of the experience, not just transport to the swimming stop. You get time to watch the coast, feel the wind, and see Mount Olympus across the water. On clear days, the mountain gives the route a memorable backdrop, with its connection to the myths of the Greek gods.

Skipper Makis leads the cruise, with a crew member such as Nikos, Sakis, Adonis, or Antoni assisting on some departures. Makis handles the sailing, explains the area, helps with photographs, and keeps an eye on the swimming stops. His friendly, hands-on style is a major part of the outing. You are not simply left to find your own way around the boat.

Arriving at Epanomi’s Navagio Beach

The main stop is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Bay. The wreck is the remains of a ship that sank in 1970, with part of it visible near the sandy coastline. It is not a polished museum site or a fenced attraction. The appeal comes from seeing an old wreck in shallow coastal water, with the chance to swim and snorkel around it.

The yacht anchors about 50 meters from shore. You then swim to the beach using the available snorkeling equipment, life vests, and floating aids. If you are a confident swimmer, this short crossing is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. You get an open-water start before reaching the beach, and the clear water lets you see beneath the surface.

The beach itself can be rough underfoot. Stones and mussels make swimming shoes a smart addition, even though they are not listed as a required item. You should also avoid assuming that sunscreen will stay effective during the swim. Put plenty on your back and shoulders before leaving the boat, and consider wearing a light swimming shirt for extra protection.

Once ashore, you can walk along the beach toward the shipwreck and explore the area around it. The time is not limited to a quick photo stop. The schedule allows a good stretch for swimming, snorkeling, and looking around before lunch. Children and teenagers often enjoy the freedom to swim and jump from the boat, but you should supervise younger swimmers closely.

The water has been described as clear and refreshing, with small fish around the wreck. Conditions change with wind and weather, so the exact experience can vary. The captain may choose another swimming location or adjust the order of the stops when needed. That flexibility is useful on a sailing trip, but it also means the day is guided by sea conditions rather than a rigid timetable.

Lunch prepared by Makis on the boat

While you swim and explore, Makis prepares lunch onboard. This is more than a snack box. The meal is a full spread of northern Greek food, served with local wine and often Greek music playing in the background.

The exact menu can vary, but the food served on different trips has included homemade tzatziki, Greek salad, grilled vegetables, stuffed grape leaves, sausages in pita, fruit salad, and other traditional dishes. Some meals have included vegetables grown in the captain’s garden. The food is generally described as generous and filling, so arrive hungry rather than eating a heavy meal just before departure.

I like this part of the cruise because it connects the outing to Greek home cooking. You are eating on the deck of a sailing yacht, not at a formal restaurant, with the sea around you and the day’s swimming behind you. The lunch gives the cruise a stronger sense of place than a basic boat trip with prepackaged sandwiches.

One bottle of wine is included for every four people. Extra wine and beer cost more, and the supplied details do not list unlimited drinks. Bring additional water for the day. This is one of the most useful practical tips, especially in the hot months when you will spend hours in the sun and salt water.

Vegetarian requests have been accommodated on previous trips, but you should communicate dietary needs when booking. The included meal is a central part of the outing, so it is worth making sure the captain knows what you can eat.

Swimming, snorkeling, and a second chance to cool off

After lunch, the boat may move closer to another beach or swimming area. This gives you another chance to swim, float, snorkel, or jump from the boat before the return sail. The schedule leaves room to relax after eating rather than rushing straight back to port.

The supplied snorkeling equipment and floating devices are useful, particularly if you do not want to pack your own gear. They are not a substitute for swimming ability. You need to manage the open-water crossing between the boat and shore, and the crew may help you if you become nervous or need assistance.

One important point is that the cruise is not designed around wheelchair access. Wheelchair users cannot take part. The boat, shore crossing, beach surface, and swimming stops also make the trip less suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

For families, the cruise can work well if everyone is comfortable around water. Teenagers tend to enjoy the combination of sailing, jumping, snorkeling, and shipwreck exploring. Parents should remember that the boat is a working sailing yacht, not a supervised water park. You are responsible for bringing the right sun protection and keeping an eye on children in the water.

What makes the small group worthwhile

With a limit of eight participants, the mood is more like a day with a local boat owner than a large excursion. You can speak with Makis, ask about sailing and Thessaloniki, and get help with photographs. The captain has also given visitors suggestions for places to eat and things to do in the city.

The small group size helps at lunch, too. There is less waiting, less noise, and more space to move around the deck. On some departures, only a few people have booked, yet the cruise has still operated. That can make the boat feel especially private, though you should not assume you will always have it to yourself.

The crew also pays attention to safety. Makis has helped swimmers who felt panicked in the water and provides flotation equipment. That does not remove the need for basic swimming confidence, but it is reassuring to have an experienced skipper close by.

Photography is another strong point. Bring your own camera or phone in a waterproof case, and ask the crew to take pictures while you swim or pose near the wreck. The captain has helped with photos and suggested simple poses. A waterproof pouch is wise because the best moments happen around the water, not just from the dry deck.

How the $112 price compares

At $112 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the Thermaic Gulf. The price includes six hours aboard the yacht, an experienced skipper, fuel, a full meal, and a bottle of wine for every four people. Snorkeling equipment and flotation aids are also available onboard.

The value improves if you want several experiences in one day: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a shipwreck visit, a homemade meal, and time away from Thessaloniki’s city streets. Booking a private cruise is also possible, though the supplied price is for the standard per-person experience and does not establish the cost of a private departure.

Transport is the main possible extra expense. Hotel pickup and return are not included, but a paid transfer can be arranged. If you are staying 45 minutes or more from the port, that service may be worth paying for, especially with a family or a group carrying towels and beach gear.

I would compare this with the price of a restaurant meal, a beach transfer, and a separate boat outing in Thessaloniki. The cruise can offer good value if you would otherwise pay for each piece separately. It is less attractive if you mainly want a short harbor ride or do not plan to swim.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring your passport or ID card, since full participant details are required for port regulations. You also need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

I would add a reusable bottle of water, extra sunscreen, a light shirt for the swim, and swimming shoes for the stony shore. A waterproof phone case or small dry bag protects your valuables. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted onboard, and pets are not allowed.

Apply sunscreen before departure and again when you return to the boat. You may spend more time exposed to the sun than expected, especially while swimming or walking on the beach. The reflection from the water can catch you quickly.

The cruise is offered in English and Greek. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available date and time before making plans around the cruise.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a relaxed day on the water without leaving Thessaloniki for a Greek island. It suits people who enjoy swimming and food as much as sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if you prefer personal contact with your captain. Makis is involved in nearly every part of the day, from steering and explaining the route to preparing lunch and taking pictures. That gives the cruise a warm, informal character.

You should think twice if you cannot swim about 50 meters, dislike open water, need step-free access, or want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour. The shipwreck area is reached by water, and the beach surface may be uncomfortable without proper footwear.

Weather matters, too. Clear days bring the best views of Mount Olympus and the turquoise water, while wind can affect the route and swimming conditions. The cruise operates across much of the year, including spring and autumn, but the water and air may feel cooler outside summer.

Should you book the Shipwreck Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a full half-day rather than a quick boat ride. The strongest reasons are the small yacht, the swim to Epanomi’s wreck, and the fresh Greek lunch prepared by Makis. Dolphins have also appeared along the route, though that should be treated as a lucky extra rather than part of the promise.

Before booking, be honest about your swimming ability and mobility. Bring water, strong sun protection, and swimming shoes, and consider paid pickup if the port is awkward from your accommodation. For the right passenger, this is a satisfying way to add a proper day at sea to a Thessaloniki visit without traveling to a distant island.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Blue Foam sailing cruises at Nea Michaniona Port, near the town’s fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including the sailing time, swimming, shipwreck visit, lunch, and return to port.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and return are not included in the standard price, but they can be arranged for an additional charge.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the six-hour cruise, an experienced skipper, fuel, and a full meal with wine. One bottle of wine is provided for every four people.

Do I need to know how to swim?

You should be able to swim comfortably because the boat anchors about 50 meters from shore and you swim to the beach and back. Life vests and floating devices are available onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use during the swimming stops, along with flotation aids.

What languages are spoken?

The cruise is available in English and Greek.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. The boat access, beach crossing, and shore conditions require adequate mobility.